Pennsylvania State Police graduates 90 troopers

There are now 90 new state troopers serving in the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police. 90 cadets graduated the state police academy Friday morning, as part of the agency's 148th cadet class. "Today is a very exciting day for these men and women," said Corporal Adam Reed. “All the hard work that they've put into the training academy and beginning their careers is going to come to fruition. The men and women graduating here today put a lot of very hard work into becoming Pennsylvania State Police troopers." All of the new troopers completed 27 weeks of intense training. The graduation ceremony also marked the inaugural presentation of the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award, named for the first African-American Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. Graduating cadet Andrew Kobert, of Washington County, was presented with the award, for exemplifying honesty, integrity, vision, and courage during his tenure at the State Police Academy.

4/25/17

BOK Center lights up to honor state troopers

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is celebrating 80 years of service and protecting Oklahoma citizens. On Thursday night, the BOK Center lit up its wall with blue to honor the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The state of Oklahoma welcomed the department April 20, 1937 to protect Oklahomans on state roads and highways. They are the only law enforcement agency to have a presence in all 77 counties. State Trooper Dwight Durant says his own father was a trooper and the honor of lighting the BOK Arena means a lot. “In light of things that have happened recently, whenever somebody recognizes us even at a convenience store or even at a restaurant, or the BOK Center for what they are doing, we are just overwhelmed with appreciation to know the citizens have our back,” said Durant. The Department of Public Safety asked the BOK Center to light up its wall. A spokesperson says they were happy to be a part. The Devon Building in Oklahoma City is also lit up in blue to congratulate the Highway Patrol.

4/24/17

Florida Highway Patrol finds more than $1.5 million in drugs, contraband

In a three-day operation, state troopers made 122 misdemeanor arrests, 61 felony arrests and 75 drug arrests and caught up with eight people who were fugitives or sought by a warrant, the Florida Highway Patrol said Friday. The Highway Patrol's criminal interdiction unit, in a partnership with the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, conducted the operation in the Duval County region. The detail went from April 11 to April 13, and it targeted illegal drugs, illegal activity and contraband, FHP said. Troopers called this a “highly successful event.” Investigators seized four stolen vehicles, eight illegal firearms, about $12,000 worth of stolen merchandise, $687 in U.S. currency, 416 pounds of synthetic marijuana, 286 grams of marijuana, 95.87 grams of powder cocaine, 4.1 grams of crack cocaine, 2.4 grams of heroin, six grams of methamphetamine, 11.6 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy), 13 grams of illegal prescription medication, and assorted drug paraphernalia. The estimated value of all the items was listed as $1,531,308, according to FHP.

4/24/17

Trooper from Mississippi runs in Boston Marathon and finished in the top 9%

A Mississippi Highway Patrolman recently home after running in the Boston Marathon.Trooper Wade Jones trained for months for the race.“I always say if you’re not comfortable while you’re training, you’re not getting any better,” Jones said.Jones' training paid off because he finished in the top 9%. He was the 2,690th person to cross the finish line of more than 31,000 runners.Out of the Mississippians who ran in this year's Boston Marathon, Jones placed 2nd.He said running is stress relief and something he loves doing. His goal for the next race is to come in first in the state.“My dad, because of an accident he had, was supposed to go. His goal was for me to be the best in Mississippi. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to accomplish that, but I guess I’ll settle for second for right now though,” Jones said. “But hey, it will give me something to shoot for next time -- to be the first place out of Mississippi.”Jones said he’s been running for 12 or 13 years, but this is his first time competing in the Boston Marathon. He finished in about three hours and nine minutes.

4/21/17

Mississippi trooper home from impressive run in Boston Marathon

A Mississippi Highway Patrolman recently home after running in the Boston Marathon.Trooper Wade Jones trained for months for the race.“I always say if you’re not comfortable while you’re training, you’re not getting any better,” Jones said.Jones' training paid off because he finished in the top 9%. He was the 2,690th person to cross the finish line of more than 31,000 runners.Out of the Mississippians who ran in this year's Boston Marathon, Jones placed 2nd.He said running is stress relief and something he loves doing. His goal for the next race is to come in first in the state.“My dad, because of an accident he had, was supposed to go. His goal was for me to be the best in Mississippi. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to accomplish that, but I guess I’ll settle for second for right now though,” Jones said. “But hey, it will give me something to shoot for next time -- to be the first place out of Mississippi.”Jones said he’s been running for 12 or 13 years, but this is his first time competing in the Boston Marathon. He finished in about three hours and nine minutes.